The Questions People Ask Most About Grass Seed

Confused About Grass Seed?

You're not alone. It's easy to get confused about grass seed. What kind of seed to use, how to plant it, and even weather conditions can all add up to one big question mark for many people. That's why we had our experts answer some of the most commonly asked questions about planting grass seed.

I Planted My Grass Seed and It Didn't Grow. What's Wrong?

There are many things that could have happened. Too much or too little water, weather conditions, use of weed control products, and/or poor soil conditions can all be possible causes. Because each situation is different, it is best to call and speak with one of our experts to help diagnose the problem. 1-800-543-TURF (8873)

How Do I Know What Type of Grass I Have?

Grass types can vary, depending on where you live. Our Grass Seed Identifier Tool can help you determine what type of grass is growing in your lawn.

What Is Overseeding or Reseeding? Why Should I Do It?

Reseeding (also called overseeding) simply means spreading grass seed over an existing lawn to thicken the turf and fill in bare/thin spots. Over time, seasonal stresses such as heat, drought, winter conditions, and pests can cause your grass to deteriorate. If your lawn is just thin or damaged, reseeding is a fast, inexpensive way to help bring your lawn back to its lush, green, healthy self without tearing everything out and starting over.

What About Reseeding Bermudagrass?

If you live in the south and your bermudagrass goes dormant in the fall, you may want to reseed your bermudagrass lawn with perennial ryegrass for a temporary green lawn all winter long. In certain areas of the country, such as the deep south or southwest, this practice is referred to as putting in a winter lawn.

How Long Can I Store Grass Seed Before It Goes Bad?

If stored in a cool, dry place, grass seed can last for 2-3 years. However, the germination rate (the number of seeds that will grow) will decrease over time, so you may not get the same results you would if you were using fresh seed. For best results, use fresh product and try to plant it within a year.
Back to Top

Where Can I Buy Scotts® Grass Seed?

Our products can be found at most home improvement centers, mass merchants, hardware stores, and garden centers. However, you can use our Retail Locator to learn which stores are closest to you.
Back to Top

How Much Grass Seed Should I Buy?

First you need to know the size of the area you want to plant. If you already know how many square feet you are seeding, then proceed to Step 2.

Step 1:Sometimes it's hard to guess how big your lawn is just by looking at it. Square footage adds up fast. To help you estimate how much lawn you have, compare it to the examples on this helpful diagram.

Step 2:Once you know the square footage, the next step is to look at the package to determine how many bags you need to buy. There are usually 2 coverage numbers listed on a grass seed package:

1: Overseeding (Reseeding) Rate: The higher of the two coverage numbers is typically what's called the Overseeding Rate. This is how many square feet the package would cover if you were reseeding, or spreading grass seed across all or most of your existing lawn.2: New Lawn Rate: The lower of the 2 coverage numbers is normally the new lawn rate. This is how many square feet the package would cover if you were repairing bare spots or planting a new lawn from scratch.

It's important to read each grass seed package carefully to make sure you buy the right amount.
All Scotts grass seed products have the coverage listed on the package. The number on the front of the package is usually the Overseeding coverage. The new lawn coverage can be found on the back of the bag.

Or

When Is the Best Time to Plant Grass Seed?

The answer depends on the type of grass you're planting.
Cool-season grasses grow best when temperatures are between 60-80 degrees. Early fall is the best time to seed because of its shorter days, cooler nights, and heavier dews. Your most successful seeding time is right around Labor Day. Seeding 2 weeks before or after that easy-to-remember holiday gives your new seedlings time to build strong roots before the winter.
Spring is also a great time to plant cool-season grasses because of its moderate temperatures and heavier rainfall. However, spring also provides a good environment for crabgrass to begin germinating. If you want to prevent crabgrass from invading your newly planted grass, we recommend using Scotts® Starter® Brand Fertilizer Plus Crabgrass Preventer. Applying this to your newly seeded areas will boost root development and prevent crabgrass.

Warm-season grasses grow best when temperatures are between 75-90 degrees. So the best time to plant is from late spring (after the last frost date) through early summer.

Can I Plant New Grass AFTER Using a Weed Control Product? (i.e. Weed Preventer or Weed Killer)

All weed control products are different, but in general, it is not recommended to plant new grass within 4 months of using a crabgrass preventer, or within 1 month of using other weed control products.(Unless the product is designed to be used when seeding.) Always refer to the product label for specific information related to the weed control product you are using.

Why Should I Use a Starter Fertilizer?

Just as a baby needs formula to grow and develop, young seedlings also have special nutritional needs. Scotts® Turf Builder® Starter® Brand Fertilizer provides your new grass with the nutrients it needs to build strong roots. As a result, your new grass will grow in faster and thicker than if you didn't feed it at all.
If you want to prevent crabgrass from invading while you are growing new grass, look for Scotts® Starter® Brand Fertilizer Plus Crab Grass Preventer to prevent crabgrass when seeding. (Note, this product cannot be used on warm season grasses. Refer to the product label for compatible grass types.)

The length of time varies by grass type. The product package should tell you how long it will take for your new grass to begin growing. For the general guidelines used by Scotts experts, click here.

Should I Put Straw Down to Protect the Grass Seed?

Using straw to cover newly seeded areas is not recommended. Some straw may contain weeds and unwanted plant seeds that can invade your lawn. We recommend putting down a thin layer of Scotts® Turf Builder® Lawn Soil on top of your newly planted seeds instead.

How Much Do I Need to Water My New Grass?

Watering is crucial for seeding success. Water twice daily (or more if conditions are extremely hot/dry) to ensure the top 1 inch of soil stays moist. Continue watering daily until you have mowed the new grass 1-2 times. Once your new grass is established, you can go back to a normal watering routine.

How Soon Can I Mow After Planting New Grass?

If you planted seed from bare ground, avoid mowing until the new seedlings have reached a height of 3 or 3 1/2 inches. Mow on a dry day and make sure the mower blade is sharp to avoid damaging the new grass blades. If you reseeded your lawn (applied grass seed over all or part of your existing lawn), you can continue to mow, but try to limit the frequency to reduce traffic on the new seedlings.

When Can I Use Weed Control Products on My New Grass? (i.e. Weed Preventer or Weed Killer)

All weed control products are different, but in general, it is recommended to wait until the new grass has been mowed at least 4 times before using a crabgrass preventer or other weed control product. (Unless the product is designed to be used when seeding.) Always refer to the product label for specific information related to the weed control product you are using.
If you want to prevent crabgrass from invading while growing new grass, we recommend using Scotts® Starter® Brand Fertilizer Plus Crabgrass Preventer. The ingredients in this product prevent crabgrass when seeding and boost root development of new grass plants. (Note, this product cannot be used on warm season grasses. Refer to the product label for a list of compatible grass types.)

Certain activities provided via the website may be covered by U.S. Patent No. 5,930,474

The Global Professional business group and its subsidiaries of The Scotts Company LLC were purchased by ICL in February 2011.
This is the USA consumer products site for The Scotts Company LLC. For information about ICL or Scotts® Professional products, please visit http://www.scottsprofessional.com.